1. sports
2. hunting and shooting

2015
Game Bird Hunting Guide
Regulations and Hunting Areas
SOUTH ISLAND
ESSENTIAL ADDITION WITH EVERY HUNTING LICENCE
www.fishandgame.org.nz
Sheep measle eggs
can spread in the wind
for up to 10km
and affect many farms
so make sure you dose
for sheep measles
at least 48 hours
before taking your dog
onto sheep pasture
For more information contact your veterinarian,
phone Ovis Management on 0800 222 011
or go to www.sheepmeasles.co.nz
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Fish & Game
NEW ZEALAND DUCK SPECIES
PARADISE
SHELDUCK
SHOVELER
BROWN
TEAL
GAME SPECIES
(NAMED IN BLACK)
PROTECTED SPECIES
(NAMED IN RED)
The species are absolutely
protected at all times.
These species may be hunted, but
only in such regions and during
such open seasons as notified in the
New Zealand Gazette each year by
the Minister of Con­servation.
NOTE: Important recognition
features are the large areas of white
under the wings of the game ducks
and the smaller overall size of the
protected ducks.
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Fish & Game
MALLARD
GREY DUCK
GREY TEAL
SCAUP
4
Regulations
The regulations printed in this guide booklet are subject to the Minister
of Conservation’s approval. A copy of the published game notice in the
New Zealand Gazette is available on www.fishandgame.org.nz along
with further information on game bird hunting.
1
2
3
4
6
5
CONTENTS
New Zealand duck species ID................................................3
Game bird hunting Code of Practice.....................................6
Hunting licence valid nationwide..........................................7
Shotguns and use of non-toxic shot.......................................8
Stop the spread of aquatic pests..............................................8
Wildlife Act 1953...................................................................8
FIRST SCHEDULE........................................................... 11
SECOND SCHEDULE FOR EACH REGION
PLUS LOCAL HUNTING INFORMATION
1Nelson/Marlbough......................................................... 16
Hunting Opportunities in Nelson/Marlbough.............. 19
2 West Coast..................................................................... 23
Hunting in West Coast.................................................. 25
3 North Canterbury.......................................................... 29
Hunting in North Canterbury....................................... 32
4 Central South Island...................................................... 36
Hunting in Central South Island................................... 40
5Otago............................................................................. 43
Hunting in Otago.......................................................... 46
6Southland....................................................................... 47
Hunting in Southland.................................................... 48
Game Bird Habitat Stamp.................................................. 51
Cover photo: David Towgood
5
Regulations
CODE OF CONDUCT
PLEASE CONSIDER THE RIGHTS OF
OTHERS AND OBSERVE THE HUNTERS’
CODE OF CONDUCT
ACCESS
•
If no Fish and Game access sign is present, always ask
permission from the land occupier before crossing private
property (also check if it’s OK to take your dog across their
land).
•
Don’t interfere with livestock, crops, machinery or other
property.
•
Keep your dog under firm control or on a lead when on
private property.
•
Always use gates, stiles or other recognised access points and
avoid damage to fences.
•
Leave everything as you found it. If a gate is open or closed
leave it that way.
•
Don’t park vehicles so they can obstruct gateways or cause a
hazard on the road or access way.
•
When driving on riverbeds keep to marked tracks or park on
the bank and walk to your hunting spot.
•
Always respect the environment, wildlife, other hunters and
members of the public.
FIREARM SAFETY
Practise the seven Police-approved principles of firearm safety
(see NZ Police Arms Code):
i
Treat every firearm as loaded
ii
Always point firearms in a safe direction
iii Load a firearm only when ready to fire
iv Identify your target beyond all doubt
v
Check your firing zone
vi Store firearms and ammunition safely
vii Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms
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Regulations
HUNTING
•
Carry a current game bird hunting licence and comply with
the relevant bag limits and conditions of hunting.
•
Wear a high visibility hat and outer garment whenever possible
when hunting upland game.
•
Be a competent shooter, estimate ranges, and be aware of you
and your shotgun’s limitations.
•
Select appropriate shot size for the target.
•
Be able to distinguish what may be lawfully hunted from
protected species.
•
If a game bird is wounded, take all reasonable steps to locate
it and kill it quickly and humanely.
•
Use a trained gundog, or other means to ensure the prompt
retrieval of game, and help another hunter to retrieve their
game.
•
Remove empty cartridge cases and all litter from the hunting
area.
•
Remember that all hunters will be judged by your actions.
•
Always hunt in a sporting manner and ensure your conduct is
always above reproach. Encourage the same attitude in your
hunting companions.
•
Above all, be safe and be sensible.
TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD
WISH TO BE TREATED YOURSELF!
HUNTING LICENCE VALID
NATIONWIDE
All game bird hunting licences can be used in all Fish and Game
regions. Day licences are valid only on or after the second Monday
of the new season. It is important to note that if you are hunting
in other regions you need to read up on the local regulations in
this booklet.
Fish and Game sports fish and game licences are processed
electronically and comply with the Electronic Transactions Act
2002. A statement in the electronic form signals that by applying
for the licences in electronic form the applicant consents to the
submission of the form by electronic means.
Licences are issued centrally by a person authorised to issue
licences on behalf of each Fish and Game Council.
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Regulations
GAME BIRD HABITAT STAMP
A game bird habitat stamp must be affixed1 to every licence
to hunt or kill game. The purpose of the Habitat Stamp
Programme is to raise funds for habitat enhancement. Two
dollars ($2)2 of the game licence fee is assigned to the stamp
as income for the programme. See towards the back of this
booklet for other programme products.
SHOTGUNS AND USE OF NON-TOXIC
SHOT
Game bird hunting can only be undertaken with a shotgun of a 10
gauge calibre or less. Mandatory use of non-toxic shot applies to
waterfowl hunting only (see 1st Schedule, condition 5 below).
Non-toxic shot is not mandatory for upland game (pheasant and
quail) hunting or for all game bird hunting using sub-gauges
(smaller than 12 gauge) or black powder muzzle-loading shotguns.
For more information refer to www.fishandgame.org.nz
STOP THE SPREAD OF AQUATIC PESTS
Protect our waters: CHECK, CLEAN, DRY. Check dogs, boots,
decoys and boats before you leave the area.
WILDLIFE ACT 1953
The hunting of game is governed by the provisions of the Wildlife
Act 1953. The Minister of Conservation declares an open season
for game annually in the New Zealand Gazette (see below). Some
important provisions of the Wildlife Act are covered here. The
Act and its companion Wildlife Regulations 1955 can be viewed
in full online: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/
WILDLIFE DECLARED TO BE GAME3
Hunters are reminded that only the following lists of species are
game birds that they are permitted to hunt and kill.
WATERFOWL
•
Black swan (Cygnus atratus) (except on Chatham Islands).
•
Duck—
- Grey duck (Anas superciliosa) and any cross of that species
with any other species, variety, or kind of duck (except
on Chatham Islands).
- Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and any cross of that
1 Section 19A(1) of the Wildlife Act 1953
2 Section 72(3A)(e) of the Wildlife Act 1953
3 Schedule 1 Wildlife Act 1953
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Regulations
species with any other species, variety, or kind of duck
(except on Chatham Islands).
- Paradise duck (Tadorna variegata).
- Spoonbill duck (New Zealand shoveler) (Anas rhynchotis).
•
Pukeko (Porphyrio melanotus) (except on Chatham Islands).
UPLAND GAME
•
Chukar (Alectoris graeca chukar).
•
Red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa rufa).
•
Pheasant (any bird not being a domestic bird, of the genus
Phasianus and any cross of any such bird with any other
species, variety, or kind of pheasant).
•
Quail—
- Australian or brown quail (Synoicus).
- Californian quail (Lophortyx californica).
- Virginian or bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus).
RESTRICTIONS ON THE TAKING OF
GAME (S18, WILDLIFE ACT 1953)
No person shall use more than one shotgun or any live decoy.
LICENCE TO HUNT OR KILL GAME
(S19, WILDLIFE ACT 1953)
It is an offence to hunt or kill game unless the person holds a
current game licence, except in some circumstances where that
person is a resident occupier as defined in the Wildlife Act. The
maximum penalty is $5,000.
OCCUPIER OF ANY LAND (S19(3),
WILDLIFE ACT 1953)
“…the occupier of any land, and the spouse and any one son or
daughter of the occupier, may, during an open season, hunt or kill
on that land without a licence (but subject to all other restrictions
imposed by game regulations.” The occupier is normally the
owner but this privilege can be transferred to farm manager or
sharemilkers by a written statement indicating such to Fish and
Game. Note that the Act allows for hunting by three people; the
occupier, his/her wife/husband and one son or daughter on that
land - but no other land.
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Regulations
SHOOTING OF GAME NOT IN FLIGHT
PROHIBITED (S22, WILDLIFE ACT 1953)
It is an offence for a person to shoot or attempt to shoot at any
game bird not in flight except where a game bird is already
wounded by shooting) The maximum penalty is $5,000.
ASSAULTING OR OBSTRUCTING
RANGERS (S40, WILDLIFE ACT 1953)
It is an offence to assault or obstruct a ranger. The maximum
penalty is $10,000.
TAKING PROTECTED WILDLIFE (S63,
WILDLIFE ACT 1953)
It is an offence to hunt or kill protected wildlife. The maximum
penalties for hunting or killing absolutely protected wildlife is
up to two years imprisonment or $100,000 and $5,000 (plus
up to $100 for each head or egg of game) for Schedule 1 game
birds. The maximum penalty for hunting or killing grey teal or
white swan is $5,000.
GAME HUNTING EXCLUSION AREAS
Closed game areas
Closed game areas means a part of a region that is for the time
being excluded from the operation of an open season in the region,
but does not include a wildlife sanctuary or a wildlife refuge or
any area in which the shooting or hunting or killing of animals
is prohibited under or pursuant to paragraph (j) of subsection (2)
of this [Wildlife] Act or any other Act.
There is no open season for game birds on property in a closed
game area. It remains legal to have a dog or a gun on such land,
but not to use them to hunt game birds (which also applies to
the landowner). (s2. Wildlife Act 1953).
Each closed game area is administered by a Fish and Game
Council.
Wildlife Refuges.
It is illegal to have or take a dog or a gun onto Wildlife Refuge
land, unless specifically exempt in writing to do so, or to harm
or disturb any wildlife including game birds on that land (s14(3)
Wildlife Act 1953).
Wildlife Refuges are administered by the Department of
Conservation.
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Regulations
The remainder of this hunting guide is made up of regional details
and hunting conditions contained in the Gazetted Game Notice.
These conditions are set out in the:
FIRST SCHEDULE:
Hunting conditions generally common to all Fish and Game
regions.
SECOND SCHEDULE:
Regionally specific hunting conditions, including bag limits,
closed and open game areas, shooting hours and the like.
FIRST SCHEDULE
Hunting conditions generally common to all Fish and Game
regions.
1 Bag limits
(1)
No person shall possess on any one day, more than the
number of game birds specified as the daily bag limit
for the Fish and Game Region in which the game is
taken, except on Sunday, 3 May 2015, when that person
may have in his or her possession twice the number of
game birds specified as the daily bag limit for Saturday,
2 May 2015.
(2)
A person may possess more game than specified in subclause (1) of this Schedule, if all such game is labelled
with the following details:
(a) The name and address of the person by whom
the game was taken;
(b) The number of the licence to hunt or kill game
held by the person by whom the game was taken;
(c) The name of the Fish and Game Region by which
that licence was issued;
(d) The name of the Fish and Game Region in which
the game was taken; and
(e) The date on which the game was taken.
2 Waiver of Restrictions on Baiting for Waterfowl
A person4 may hunt or kill game of the family Anatidae
4 Section 17 of the Wildlife Act 1953
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Regulations
(waterfowl) during the open season for game in all Fish and
Game Regions, except Auckland/Waikato, where food has been
cast, thrown, placed or planted any time during the year. In the
Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game Region, Special Condition
4.9 in the Second Schedule applies instead to restrictions on
baiting.
3 Magazine Shotguns
A person may hunt or kill game birds, as specified, in any Fish
and Game Regions with any magazine shotgun of a calibre
10 gauge or less, which includes magazine extensions5, other
than in:
(a)
Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game Region;
(b)
Hawke’s Bay Fish and Game Region;
(c)
Wellington Fish and Game Region;
For these three Regions special conditions in the Second
Schedule apply
4 Shot Size
No person shall use, in any shotgun used for the purposes of
hunting and killing game, any cartridge containing any shot
size having a larger retained, per-pellet energy at 90 metres
than lead BB.
5 Use of Lead Shot Prohibited
(1)
No person may possess lead shot, or use lead shot, while
hunting or killing waterfowl within 200 metres of open
water, with any gun using a 10 or 12 gauge cartridge.
Non toxic alternative shot may be used, including steel.
(2)
For the purposes of this requirement, “waterfowl”
means any of the following game species:
•
Black swan (Cygnus atratus)
•
Grey duck (Anas superciliosa) and any cross of
that species with any other species, variety, or
kind of duck
•
Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and any cross
of that species with any other species, variety, or
kind of duck
•
Paradise shelduck (Tadorna variegata) also known
as Paradise duck.
•
Spoonbill duck (New Zealand shoveler) (Anas
5 Amended notification to section 18(1)(c) (iii) and (v) of the Wildlife Act 1953 as
authorised by the Minister of Conservation under section 18(1) of that Act
12
Regulations
rhynchotis)
•
(3)
Pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus)
For the purposes of this requirement, “open water”
means either:
(a) any area of land or seabed covered permanently
or seasonally by water wider than 3 metres; or
(b) any area which is temporarily covered by water
wider than 3 metres at the time of such possession
or use, and that is contiguous to an area referred
to in paragraph.
6 Guns of a Calibre Less Than 12 Gauge and Muzzle Loaders
Exempt in Relation to Use of Lead Shot
Hunters may use lead shot in guns of a calibre less than 12
gauge or muzzle loaders for the 2015 season. No exemptions
for any breach loading 12 gauge (or greater) firearm is to be
provided for waterfowl hunting.
7 Camouflaged Rowboats
A person6 may hunt or kill game within the following Fish
and Game Regions, from unmoored camouflaged rowboats,
subject to the excluded periods for the regions specified below:
•
Northland – no excluded period
•
Auckland/Waikato – excluding 2 and 3 May 2015
•
Eastern – excluding 2 and 3 May 2015
•
Hawke’s Bay – excluding 2 and 3 May 2015
•
Taranaki – no excluded period
•
Wellington – excluding 2 and 3 May 2015
•
Nelson/Marlborough – no excluded period
•
West Coast – no excluded period
•
North Canterbury – excluding 2 and 3 May 2015
•
Central South Island – excluding 2 and 3 May 2015
•
Otago – excluding Clutha River 2 to 10 May 2015
inclusive
•
Southland – no excluded period
8 Restriction on Taking of Game
No person shall use any vehicle propelled by mechanical power
(including motorised watercraft)7 to chase or kill game, except
6 Section 18(1)(f )(vi) of the Wildlife Act 1953
7 Section 18(1)(f )(v) of the Wildlife Act 1953
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Regulations
in such circumstances and at such times as authorised by the
Conservation Act 1987 and Wildlife Act 1953.
9 Pegging Day
(1)
A person, following purchase of a 2015 Whole Season
game bird hunting licence, can reclaim the stand
claimed during the 2014 Game Season at any time
prior to 10.00am on 5 April 2015 in all Fish and Game
Regions.
(2)
Otherwise, unclaimed stands can only be claimed any
time after 10.00am on 5 April 2015 in all Fish and
Game Regions.
(3)
A stand may be claimed by planting on it a stake
having either a board or identifying label attached,
plainly identifying the name of the claimant and the
number of his/her licence. The hunting stand claim
tag provided with the licence must be completed with
the name of the claimant and affixed to the board or
identifying label.
(4)
The licence holder claiming a stand must be present
in person at the stand when marking it up.
(5)
In the Auckland Waikato Region, only holders of 2015
Whole Season Adult Game Bird Licences can claim
hunting stands.
(6)
No one can claim more than one stand.
(7)
A stand cannot be claimed closer than 90 metres to a
stand already claimed by another person without that
person’s consent.
(8)
Any stand not occupied by the claimant within one
hour after the opening hour of hunting, on any day,
can be occupied by another licence holder for the
remainder of the day.
10Conditions
14
These conditions will expire at the end of the open season for
game specified under the Second Schedule for each Fish and
Game Region.
Regulations
SECOND SCHEDULE
REGIONALLY SPECIFIC HUNTING CONDITIONS,
BAG LIMITS, CLOSED AND OPEN GAME AREAS,
AND THE LIKE.
Photo: Ian Hadland, Pukeko hunt
15
Fish & Game Regions
Fish & Game Regions
NELSON/MARLBOROUGH
FISH & GAME REGION 14
Office: 66-74 Champion Road
Postal Address: P.O. Box 2173, Stoke, Nelson 7041
Phone: (03) 544-6382
Fax: (03) 544-4058
Email: [email protected]
Manager: Neil Deans (027 439 4381)
Office Admin: Karen Crook
Field Officers: Lawson Davey (021 920 238),
Rhys Barrier (Nelson),
Vaughan Lynn
(Blenheim office ph/fax: (03) 578-8421)
14 Reference to Description: Gazette, No. 83, of 24 May 1990, at page 1861
16
Nelson/Marlborough
Fish & Game Regions
1 Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of
2015/2016 Season
Species
Season Duration Daily Bag Hunting Area
(dates inclusive) Limit
Grey, mallard and shoveler duck aggregate limit: A maximum total bag
not exceeding 15 birds, which must comprise no more than 7 grey and 2
shoveler duck, when in season.
Grey/mallard
2 May to
duck and any
26 Jul 2015
hybrid of those
species
NZ shoveler duck 2 May to
26 Jul 2015
Paradise shelduck 2 May to
26 Jul 2015
Pukeko
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
Black swan
California quail
15
All areas
2
All areas
10
All areas
10
Except East
Coast/Kaikoura
area
East Coast/
Kaikoura area
only
Pukeko area only
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
2
1 Aug to
31 Oct 2015
10
1 Jan 2016 to
28 Feb 2016
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
2 May to
30 Aug 2015
10
30 May to
30 Aug 2015
Cock pheasant
30 May to
(subject to clause
31 May 2015
5.4 for this region) 27 Jun and
28 Jun 2015
26 Jul and
26 Jul 2015
Cock pheasant
2 May to
(subject to clause
26 Jul 2015
5.4 for this region)
Chukar
Closed season
10
All areas
10
Except Motueka
and Waimea
River Bermland
Motueka and
Waimea River
Bermland only
All publicly
administered
land (includes
all Crown Forest
land)
10
1
1
1
1
All privately
owned land
0
All areas
2 Definition of Areas
2.1 Wairau Lagoons
That area defined as all open waters, islands and the
peninsula between Chandlers Lagoon and Big Lagoon,
Nelson/Marlborough
17
Fish & Game Regions
south of the Wairau River mouth, including Te Aropipi
Channel and south to the White Bluffs.
2.2 Pukeko Area
The area west of the Bryant Range, north of State
Highway 63 from St Arnaud to Kawatiri Junction,
and east of the Hope and Arthur Ranges.
2.3 Motueka River Bermland
The area adjacent to the Motueka River downstream
of the Alexandra Bluff Bridge within the boundaries
of State Highway 61 and Old Wharf Road to the east
and the Motueka River West Bank Road, Umukuri
Road and Lodder Lane in the west.
2.4 Waimea River Bermland
That area known as the Waimea Bermland contained
within the stopbanks (or a 200 metre strip from both
riverbanks where stopbanks are not present) of the
Waimea and Wairoa Rivers up to the junction of the
Lee River and the Wai-iti River up to State Highway
6 (Wai-iti Bridge). Hunters are advised not to hunt
the area between Pugh Road and Brightwater due to
safety issues with the proximity of the cycleway and
roads.
2.5 East Coast/Kaikoura Area
The area to the south of the Awatere Valley/
Molesworth Road and the Redwood Pass Road.
3 Shooting Hours
6.30am to 6.30pm during May, then 6.45am to 6.15pm until
the end of the season.
4 Decoy Limit
No limit.
5 Special Conditions
5.1 All permanent hunting stands/maimais used for the
purposes of hunting of game on the Wairau Lagoons
must be situated above the mean high water level.
5.2 Moored camouflaged boats are permitted for hunting
or killing game in the Wairau Lagoons, but shall not
be within 200 metres of any other hunting stand.
5.3
18
Farmers who hunt their own property under section 19
of the Wildlife Act 1953 are allowed to do so without
having to purchase a licence, although they are subject
Nelson/Marlborough
Fish & Game Regions
to this notice and the Regulations. Those farmers who
wish to do so can receive a current copy of the regional
newsletter and national magazine. Contact the Nelson
Fish and Game Council office to place your address
on the mailing list.
5.4 Pheasant hunting is by permit only. Permits are
available on request from Nelson/Marlborough Fish
and Game Council offices at no cost, but there will
be a requirement for hunters to fill in a hunter diary.
This will allow Fish and Game to gather accurate
information on pheasant hunting activity throughout
the region upon which it will be able to base future
management decisions.
5.5
Waimea Estuary. Due to the proximity of the cycleway,
those hunting Pearl Creek and Neiman Creek are
advised to use caution.
HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES IN
NELSON/MARLBOROUGH
GOLDEN BAY
Golden Bay is under-utilised as a game hunting area and is well
worth a visit. Although traditionally a grey duck stronghold,
mallards are abundant, particularly in the coastal areas of the
Aorere and Takaka valleys. Black swan are in large numbers
around Farewell Spit/Puponga and good numbers are also found
in Westhaven. On modified and developed country paradise
shelduck can be plentiful. Quail are concentrated around the edge
of broken bush and scrub land margins in the warm drier country,
especially towards the east of Golden Bay and the fringes of Abel
Tasman National Park. Pukeko abound in wetlands adjoining
developed pasture, particularly in the lower Aorere Valley.
NELSON/MOTUEKA
Populations of mallard duck are found in the coastal estuaries
and lower country with farm ponds also productive at times.
Paradise shelduck can be found throughout the region in
moderate numbers. Good populations of quail exist on forest
margins, recently felled forest areas and rough land throughout
the district. This hunting is often challenging due to thick scrub
that makes any follow-up (after the initial flush) very difficult.
There are good populations of pukeko in the Moutere/Mapua
areas and as a result of increases in the population and crop
damage complaints in the past few years, the pukeko season has
been extended to alleviate the problems. Limited numbers of
Nelson/Marlborough
19
Fish & Game Regions
Pheasant can be found scattered throughout orchards, foothills,
forestry edges and river bermlands, particularly in the Waimea,
lower Motueka/Riwaka plains and the Moutere.
With a cycleway nearby, those hunting the Pearl Creek and
Neiman Creek on the Waimea Estuary are advised to use caution.
BULLER/MURCHISON/MARUIA
The Buller/Murchison/Maruia area contains high populations
of grey duck. Paradise shelduck can often be found feeding on
newly sown pasture.
MARLBOROUGH LOW COUNTRY
The many rivers and streams, flats, estuaries, wetlands, and
Marlborough Sounds offer excellent hunting opportunities.
Mallard are the dominant species with lower numbers of native
ducks depending on location. Higher numbers of grey ducks are
found in the Marlborough Sounds and Pelorus Valley, but please
take care to identify your target because the area is home to a large
grey teal population. Black swans occur in moderate numbers in
estuarine reaches. Quail can be found scattered throughout most
river beds, notably the Awatere, Wairau (upstream of Renwick)
and Waihopai catchments, where broken cover and scrub-lands
exist. Most quail hunting requires permission to hunt on private
land and this is usually granted to responsible, well-presented
hunters.
KAIKOURA AND MARLBOROUGH
HIGH COUNTRY
These areas offer some of the country’s prime quail hunting.
The East Coast has localised populations of mallard and further
inland, grey duck. There can be high numbers of paradise
shelduck, particularly on the East Coast and inland Kaikoura.
PHEASANT HUNTING
Attempt to increase hunting opportunities for pheasants in the
Nelson Marlborough Region remain in place and to provide
an incentive for landowners and hunters to undertake pheasant
enhancement. These can be habitat enhancement, predator
trapping or breeding and releasing (pursuant to sections 53 &
56 of the Wildlife Act 1953 requires permit). Pheasant hunting
in the Nelson Marlborough region is by permit only. Permits
are available on request from Fish and Game at no cost, but
hunters keep a hunter diary (as is the case for Chukar hunting
in Central South Island). This allows Fish and Game to gather
accurate information on pheasant hunting activity throughout
20
Nelson/Marlborough
Fish & Game Regions
the region which can be used in future management decisions.
Hunters who wish to access the Waimea Bermlands can obtain a
map showing all the lessee boundaries and contact details from
our office in Nelson.
QUAIL HUNTERS
Hunters please note that quail hunting is not permitted within
the Motueka or Waimea Bermlands until the pheasant season
opens. Access permission and permits are required from forestry
companies. For more information contact the Richmond Office.
HUNTING ON THE WAIRAU AND
WAIMEA BERMLANDS
Contact the Blenheim Office for detailed information on areas in
the Wairau which are available or closed to hunters by agreement
with the Marlborough District Council. Hunters wanting access
to the Waimea berms must contact the Richmond Office prior
to hunting there for advice on which areas are available, and
information on other issues.
PARA SWAMP GAME MANAGEMENT
AREAS
The Council now manages approximately 80% of the swamp.
Hunters are invited to make an application to hunt in this area
on a ballot form available from the Blenheim office. Para swamp
is being developed to improve game bird hunting opportunities
and new sites are becoming available with time.
HUNTING IN THE WAIRAU LAGOONS
The Wairau Lagoons cover about 2000 hectares of saline marsh
and mud-flats between the Wairau River mouth and the Vernon
Estate to the south. During the autumn and winter months the
predominant species in the Lagoons are game birds. Protected
species will also be seen in the lagoons during the open game
season. The protected grey teal population in particular is
increasing and hunters must take care to positively identify
their target. Besides the obvious main channels in the northern
part of the lagoons, and Te Aropipi Channel, which runs along
inside the seaward Boulder Bank, few parts of the lagoons are
more than a metre deep. The mud in some areas can be very
deep and care should be taken in unfamiliar areas. Access can be
gained via the end of Hardings Road. Duck hunter access is off
Redwood Pass Road, or from the Wairau Bar using a boat. The
water is brackish and shotguns require careful cleaning. Fresh
water should be taken for gun dogs. The former wildlife refuge
Nelson/Marlborough
21
Fish & Game Regions
status over Big Lagoon has been lifted to provide additional
hunting opportunities. The retention of this new hunting area
will depend on the behaviour of hunters and adherence to the
following code of conduct:
•
Fixed shooting stands above mean high water springs only.
•
Moored floating stands 200 metres from any other marked
stand.
•
No plant material likely to drop viable seed to be used for
maimai cover.
•
No disturbance to archaeological sites, artefacts or native
plants.
•
No litter including spent cartridges.
•
Wheeled vehicles restricted to formed roads.
•
All boats restricted to five knots.
•
No dogs other than trained retrievers during the open game
season.
A permit from DOC is required to hunt this area. An access and
information pamphlet is available from either office.
HUNTING ACCESS
The Nelson/Marlborough Council has jurisdiction over, or
owns a number of reserves and lands where game bird hunting
is allowed. Land administered by DOC and district councils
requires hunters to gain permission and permits before they hunt.
Forestry companies also require hunters to obtain permits to enter
their forests to hunt during the game bird season. Forests are
closed to hunting during weekdays and the spring and summer
months. Due to security problems, some companies require
refundable key deposits. Permission to hunt on all private land
must be obtained from the land-owner prior to hunting and this
is usually granted to responsible hunters.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS FOR PERMITS
Marlborough District Council, Tasman District Council,
Department of Conservation, Rayonier, P F Olsen & Company,
Carter Holt Harvey Forests, Nelson Forests Ltd.
22
Nelson/Marlborough
Fish & Game Regions
WEST COAST
FISH & GAME REGION 14
Office: Airport Drive Hokitika
Postal address: P.O. Box 179, Hokitika 7842
Phone: (03) 755-8546
Fax: (03) 755-6540
Email: [email protected]
Manager: Dean Kelly, [email protected]
(027 244 2807)
Office Admin: Leanne Johnson
Field Officer: Rhys Adams, [email protected] (027 244 2806)
14 Reference to Description: Gazette, No. 83, of 24 May 1990, at page 1861
West Coast
23
Fish & Game Regions
1 Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of
2015/2016 Season
Species
Season Duration
(dates inclusive)
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
Grey/mallard
duck and any
hybrid of those
species
NZ shoveler duck 2 May to
26 Jul 2015
Paradise shelduck 2 May to
26 Jul 2015
Pukeko
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
Daily Bag Hunting Area
Limit
Aggregate All areas
bag 15
2
All areas
20
All areas
10
North of the
Taramakau River
South of the
Taramakau River
All areas
20
Black swan
Pheasant, both
sexes
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
2 May 2015 to
6 May 2016
2
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
2
20
Upland game
properties
with special
conditions only
specified in
clause 4 for this
Region
All other areas
2 Shooting Hours
6.30am to 6.30pm.
3 Decoy Limit
No limit.
4. Upland Game Properties with Special Conditions
24
Upland Game Area A: The area of land owned by the Gloriavale
Christian Community clearly signposted and confined to that
part of the Haupiri River Valley upstream of the Haupiri River
Bridge (NZTM reference 1495313E, 5285772N). The land
is contained in Certificates of Title WS5A/972, WS5D/97,
WS5A/973, WS5B/308, WS5B/309, WS2D/1052,
WS2A/905, WS5A/545, WS2A/1197 owned by the Christian
Church Community Trust, and WS8A/680 owned by F. and
P. Stedfast, situated at 189 Heaphy Road, Lake Haupiri, and
titles WS1A/1421, WS2D/876, WS1B/486, WS8C/1072,
WS8C/1073, WS2D/854, WS8A/681, and WS5B/311 owned
by the Christian Church Community Trust, situated at 82
Wallace Road, Lake Haupiri.
West Coast
Fish & Game Regions
HUNTING ON THE WEST COAST
The primary attractions for game bird hunters on the Coast
are the diversity of habitat, providing for a range of species, but
mainly grey and mallard duck or hybrids. Shoveler, paradise
shelduck and pukeko are also widespread throughout the region.
In general, developed valleys with improved pasture and open
drains offer the best waterfowl hunting – particularly for mallards,
pukeko and shelduck – however riverbeds, bush ponds and coastal
wetlands – most of which are on Department of Conservation
(DOC) administered land – also provide excellent opportunities.
Some relatively unexploited hunting opportunities remain in
South Westland river valleys south of Harihari.
Anyone planning a trip to hunt the West Coast can contact the
Fish and Game Council for advice on key landowners to contact.
Currently there are few problems with access to hunting on land
administered by DOC, however if in doubt about land tenure
contact the nearest DOC office (refer below) for a permit.
Department of Conservation contacts
Greymouth 03 768 0427
Hokitika 03 756 9100
Buller 03 788 8008
South Westland 03 751 0807
Game bird hunting is permitted in six scenic reserves; Hunters
wishing to shoot at Lakes Rotokino, Ianthe, Arthur, Swan and
Lady, or Saltwater lagoon are required to request a permit from
DOC before the end of March. In the event of any problems
contact The Fish and Game Council.
If hunting in riverbeds or along bermlands we recommend
contacting adjacent landowners. Their advice could well add
value to your hunting.
Please note that it is unlawful to use or possess lead shot when
hunting waterfowl within 200 metres of any open water wider
than 3 metres.
PARADISE DUCK HUNTING
A phone call to one of the contacts listed below will be of great
assistance for visitors seeking shelduck hunting opportunities.
Some recommended spots are the Ahaura/Lake Haupiri and
Lake Poerua/Taramakau catchments, and the Wanganui,
Waiho Waitaha and Whataroa valleys in South Westland. It
is so important to do it right the first time, and to this end the
following advice is important;
West Coast
25
Fish & Game Regions
•
Phone a local contact below to locate birds. If possible
observe their movements for a day or two before hunting.
•
Construct a hide with minimum disturbance and using
natural vegetation where available. Paradise ducks will
usually avoid a paddock that looks different from the
previous visit.
•
Use plenty of decoys – facing into the wind.
•
Use camouf laged clothing and keep movement to a
minimum.
•
Often it’s best to let an incoming mob land, then flush and
shoot.
•
Although they look like they’re moving slowly paradise
shelducks can fly at up to 80km/hr. If you are not hitting
them increase your lead by swinging through the target
more quickly.
Most private landowners will react favourably to reasonable
requests for access to hunt. The contacts listed below are
recommended for hunters seeking new areas, particularly to hunt
parries. It is essential to phone the landowner before visiting, and
respect any reasons they may have for limiting access.
Area
Property contact
Ph number
Ahaura
B Rogatski
7380225
Ahaura
M Bray
7323576
Ahaura
R Becker
7323879
Ahaura
G Paterson
7323140
Atarau
A Becker
7323576
Atarau
C Brake
7323080
Atarau
A Berry
7323856
Atarau
C Van der Geest
7323718
Atarau
G O’Connor
7323859
Atarau
J Liddell
7323747
Atarau
M Mills
7323001
Atarau
P Berry
7323856
Atarau
R Little
7323034
Atarau
D Kennedy
0276327795
Atarau
G Graham
7323063
Atarau
P Jefferies
7680193
Barrytown
George Coates
7311805
26
West Coast
Fish & Game Regions
Haupiri
C Egan
7380389
Haupiri
H Temple (G.C.C)
7380224
Haupiri
J Butcher
7380227
Ikamatua
G Prendergast
7323518
Ikamatua
R Lemon
7323525
Ikamatua
M Fitzgerald
7323577
Ikamatua
P McLennan
7323755
Kokiri
D Bradley
7625798
Kokiri
(C.M.P)
7625055
Kowhitirangi
T Sheridan
7557227
Mawheraiti
K Harvey
0272228360
TIPS FOR HUNTING ON THE WEST
COAST
The key to success in all hunting is to be observant, and recognise
that game bird movements and feeding patterns change in
response to the time of year and the food available. In the case
of shelduck, feeding patterns are largely dictated by the location
of preferred pasture. Prevailing weather patterns also have a
large influence on where birds congregate at certain times. For
example, during wet periods in June/July intensively grazed
paddocks are favoured by mallards seeking high protein in the
form of worms and grubs. Seed from fed out hay and baleage is
also a favoured food source. During frosty periods drains and
wet areas with willow (pig) weed infestations may be popular.
Observant hunters will notice that birds alter their daily habits
and flight patterns in response to the length of daylight hours,
prevailing weather and the level of disturbance.
In general, waterfowl tend to avoid large open water bodies during
rough windy weather, preferring sheltered swampy margins and
farm drains. Similarly, during extended frosty periods there is
often good hunting in small running creeks and small ponds
with a bush canopy.
Many hunters become frustrated by large congregations of ducks
– predominantly mallards – loafing in open paddocks after the
first week or two of the season when ducks become more wary.
These birds are often difficult to hunt but, for those prepared
to chance the odd unsuccessful outing success is more likely to
improve later in the season, especially on rough days and at first
and last light.
West Coast
27
Fish & Game Regions
Late in the season birds are preparing for breeding and require
extra protein in the form of aquatic invertebrates and terrestrial
insects. At this time small creeks, farm drains and wet paddocks
often provide favoured feeding habitat. During this period it
is often possible to call in ducks that earlier in the season were
simply not interested. In intensively farmed areas the daily routine
heavily influences hunting opportunities. Look for concentrations
of birds near stock feed out pads, and, particularly in the case of
shelducks, on saved pasture and green crop.
ORGANISED HUNTS
Complaints about concentrations of game birds such as pukeko
and paradise shelduck indicate problem areas that hunters can be
directed to. Pukeko and shelduck hunting success often depends
on a team of hunters working together.
Organised hunts have become increasingly popular on the West
Coast as access to good hunting becomes more difficult in other
regions. Such hunts are arranged independently by a number of
different clubs and organisations and the Fish and Game Council
provides coordination and assistance where possible.
The West Coast Gameshooters club is very active and organises
some very successful hunts. For further information on
membership contact David Brooks on (03) 762 5604.
Enjoy your hunting on the ‘Coast’, comply with the few rules
we have, and please show respect for landowners and your fellow
hunters.
Photo: Steve Terry
28
West Coast
Fish & Game Regions
NORTH CANTERBURY
FISH & GAME REGION 16
Office: c/- DOC Offices, 32 River Road, Rangiora 7440
Postal address: P.O. Box 50, Woodend 7641
Phone: 0800 347 426
Email: [email protected]
Regional Manager: Rod Cullinane (027 280 8192)
Office Admin: Debbie Ambler
F&G Officers: Tony Hawker (021 221 8325),
Steve Terry (021 221 8327)
Environment Officer: Scott Pearson (027 525 2650)
Hatchery/Compliance: Dirk Barr (021 221 8378)
16Reference to Description: Gazette, No. 83, of 22 May 1990, at page 1861
North Canterbury
29
Fish & Game Regions
1 Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of
2015/2016 Season
Species
Season Duration Daily Bag Hunting Area
(dates inclusive) Limit
Grey, mallard and shoveler duck
aggregate bag limit
25
All areas
Grey duck and
2 May to
any hybrid of that 26 Jul 2015
species
5
All areas
NZ shoveler duck 2 May to
24 May 2015
2
All areas
1 drake
All areas
Mallard duck and 2 May to
any hybrid of that 26 Jul 2015
species
25
All areas
Paradise shelduck
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
20
Area A
2 May to
27 Sep 2015
20
Area B
6 Feb 2016 to
20 Mar 2016
20
Area A & B
Pukeko
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
2
All areas
Black swan
2 May to
27 Sep 2015
5
Area A
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
2
Area B
California quail
2 May to
23 Aug 2015
10
All areas
Cock pheasant
6 and 7 Jun 2015
(two days only)
1
All areas
Chukar
Closed season
0
All areas
26 May to
26 Jul 2015
2 Definition of Areas
2.1 Area A (Paradise shelduck and Black swan): That
area east of State Highway 1 from the Rakaia River in
the south to Woodend Beach Road in the north.
2.2 Area B (Paradise shelduck and Black swan): The
remainder of the region excluding “Area A”.
30
North Canterbury
Fish & Game Regions
3 Shooting Hours
3.1 Paradise shelduck
2 May to 28 September 2015
6.45am to 6.30pm during the specified season
6 February to 21 March 2016
5.00am to 10.00pm during the specified season
3.2 All other game birds
6.45am to 6.30pm during the specified season
4 Decoy Limit
No limit.
5 Special Conditions
5.1 No person shall wilfully leave on the hunting ground
the bodies or parts of bodies of any game bird shot in
this region.
6 Closed Game Areas
There are three Closed Game Areas in the North Canterbury
Region: St Anne’s Lagoon, the northern end of the Rakaia
Lagoon and the Ahuriri Lagoon.
(1)
St Anne’s Lagoon: Those parts of St Anne’s Lagoon
(commonly known as Cheviot Lagoon) situated on part
Section 27 Block IV, and part Sections 1 and 4 Block
VII Cheviot Survey District together with a strip of
land 45.72 metres in width along the margins. On the
remainder of this lagoon and land adjoining (being
Reserve 3146), shooting is prohibited as it is a reserve
pursuant to the Reserves Act 1977.
(2)
Rakaia Lagoon: All that area known as the Rakaia
River Lagoon, being an area from a line commencing
at the confluence of Boat Creek which flows into the
lagoon from the northern shore, then north-easterly
to the head of the lagoon and including the foreshore
in front of the Rakaia Huts Village, then around the
lagoon and south-west along the shingle spit opposite
Boat Creek, the area being specifically marked by
“Closed Game Area” signage.
(3)
Ahuriri Lagoon: All that area of land in the Canterbury
Land District, situated in Block X Halswell Survey
District, in the Counties of Ellesmere and Halswell,
containing approximately 249 hectares, being Rural
Sections 1167 and 31239, part Rural Section 3319,
part Reserve 3598, including Lots 1 and 2, and Lots
North Canterbury
31
Fish & Game Regions
4 to 11, Crown and road reserves; commencing at the
north-western corner of Rural Section 11167 on the
eastern boundary of Burke’s Drain and road reserve
proceeding in an easterly direction along the northern
boundary of Rural Section 11167 and Reserve 3598 to
the south-eastern corner of Rural Section 11165; then
easterly in a straight line crossing Reserve 3598 to the
south-eastern corner of Rural Section 11166; then
easterly along the northern boundaries of Reserve
3598 and Rural Section 31239 to the north-eastern
corner of Rural Section 31239 at the western side of
the Christchurch-Akaroa Highway; then southerly,
south-easterly and easterly along the said highway and
crossing road reserve, the old course of the Halswell
River, and road reserve to the south-east of the road
reserve along the south bank of the old course of the
Halswell River; then south-westerly along the south
side of the said road reserve to the eastern side of the
road reserve on the eastern bank of the Halswell Canal;
then south-easterly in a straight line across the said
road reserve and the Halswell Canal to the southern
boundary of Reserve 3598 on the western bank
of the said Halswell Canal; then generally westerly
along the southern boundary of Reserve 3598
and across Matthews Road and continuing along
the southern boundary of Reserve 3598 to the
south-eastern side of Davidson’s Road; then northeasterly along the south-eastern side of Davidson’s
Road to the southern bank of the Halswell River.
HUNTING IN NORTH CANTERBURY
The North Canterbury Fish and Game Region stretches from the
south bank of the Rakaia to the headwaters of the Waiau, from
the Southern Alps to the sea. Habitats range from coastal dunes,
through to shallow wetlands and wide river beds, high country
lakes and mountain valleys. Mallard ducks are the most abundant
and popular game bird in the region. They have adapted well
to the developed agricultural land which dominates the North
Canterbury landscape. Paradise shelduck is the next most popular
species among local hunters and like the mallard, also does well
in developed land. The region also sustains a reasonable black
swan population, most of which are found on coastal wetlands.
Grey and shoveler ducks are found in the region but do not
favour open, developed land and tend to be concentrated onto
wet, swampy areas and irrigation storage ponds.
32
North Canterbury
Fish & Game Regions
Upland game birds are less prolific than in some other Fish &
Game regions but reasonable California quail numbers are present
in the lower and middle reaches of the braided riverbeds. Small
pheasant populations are also present, but are not sufficiently
abundant to withstand heavy hunting pressure. There is a two day
open season for cock pheasant hunting on the second weekend
in June in the North Canterbury region.
A number of pheasant hunters in particular, confuse the exact
location of the boundary between the North Canterbury and
Central South Island Fish and Game Regions. This can cause
problems for hunters as there is a longer open season and higher
daily limit bag for pheasant in the Central South Island Region.
A number of hunters have been caught in breach of the North
Canterbury rules, thinking they were hunting in the Central
South Island region. To set the record straight, the North
Canterbury boundary with the Central South Region is Acton
Road, which runs from Rakaia township east to the sea.
The North Canterbury region is a mix of public and private
land. Most of the public land is administered by Environment
Canterbury and the Department of Conservation (DOC). Either
of these organisations, or North Canterbury Fish and Game
Council, will be able to assist you with any access inquiries
relating to public land.
A ‘Lake Ellesmere Access’ publication is available to assist hunters
with access issues and can be obtained from the Fish and Game
Council office or the main hunting retail stores.
THE MAJOR HUNTING AREAS
Here is a brief summary of the major hunting areas in the North
Canterbury region:
Lake Ellesmere: Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora), a 20,000ha
wetland of national and international significance, is the major
game bird hunting area in the region. Mallard ducks are the most
popular quarry during the traditional hunting months of May,
June and July, black swan and shoveler duck are also present. It
is important to note that Lake Ellesmere is home to a large grey
teal population which are protected wildlife. It is important that
hunters take time to properly identify their target, especially
during periods of low light. The best time to hunt Ellesmere
is during a strong southerly wind. Birds which usually roost in
the middle of the lake are pushed off by the rough conditions
and tend to fly to the downwind shore. The lake can also shoot
well during strong northwest or northeast winds; once again the
downwind shoreline is the best place to hunt. Lake Ellesmere
North Canterbury
33
Fish & Game Regions
has a good number of maimais located around the shoreline and
most Ellesmere regulars have one of their own.
However, any hunter is free to use any maimai sited on public land
which has not been occupied by 7:45 am in the morning. This is
a great option for new or inexperienced hunters who want a taste
of open water game bird hunting without having to commit to
the time and expense involved in constructing their own maimai.
Please note that a hunting permit is required to hunt on DOC
managed land on the shores of Lake Ellesmere. These are available
at the DOC Christchurch Visitor Centre now located in the
Mahanui area office at 31 NgaMahi Road Sockburn (03) 341
9113 or email [email protected]
MAIMAIS ON LAKE ELLESMERE
The construction of permanent maimais on public land and
Ngai Tahu lakebed at Lake Ellesmere is subject to a number
of conditions. Approved maimai construction techniques are
available on the North Canterbury page of the Fish & Game
website. Hunters need to obtain permission from Fish & Game
and DOC Robin Smith (03) 341 9100 before beginning work
on a new maimai. We encourage hunters to refurbish an unused
existing maimai first. Hunters with existing maimais which have
yet to be registered should contact staff at the Fish and Game
office to obtain a maimai registration tag. There is no charge for
these services.
THE BRAIDED RIVERBEDS
The Rakaia, Waimakariri, Hurunui and Waiau rivers are also
popular hunting locations. Many of these rivers have large tidal
lagoons which provide good hunting opportunities. Further
upriver, ducks can be targeted using traditional decoy setups
in open water areas. Good duck shooting is also available in
places by flush hunting small springs and ponds, which are
often found on the margins of major riverbeds. Licensed game
bird hunters are able to hunt in most of the North Canterbury
braided river beds except parts where they lie close to population
centres. The Waimakariri River Regional Park, administered
by Environment Canterbury, recognises game bird hunting as a
legitimate activity, with areas designated for such use. An access
map is available. Please do not shoot outside these areas which
may put the future of game bird hunting at risk. Hunters need to
be aware of rabbit poisoning operations in Canterbury river beds.
While poison operations are of little threat to humans or to the
safe consumption of any game birds killed, it is of real concern
34
North Canterbury
Fish & Game Regions
to hunters’ dogs which are susceptible to 1080 poison found in
carcass remains, for some months after a poisoning operation.
HIGH COUNTRY LAKES
Some of the region’s high country lakes offer good game bird
hunting opportunities. In some cases hunting can be pursued
without the owner’s permission but it is highly recommended that
you put in the effort and talk to the farmer or manager concerned
in advance. Please note that lakes Grasmere and Pearson are
wildlife refuges and all hunting is prohibited.
PRIVATE LAND
Private land also offers good game hunting opportunities but the
owner’s permission needs to be sought in advance.
BOGGY CREEK GAME BIRD HUNTING
AREA
The Boggy Creek Game Bird Hunting Area is located at the end of
Collets Road on the western shore of Lake Ellesmere. It is owned
by Fish and Game North Canterbury for hunters and wildlife
values. Annual ballots are held for shooting stands in this area
and are open to all licensed hunters. Contact the office for details.
Photo: Steve Terry
North Canterbury
35
Fish & Game Regions
CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND
FISH & GAME REGION 17
Office: 32 Richard Pearse Drive, Temuka
Postal address: PO Box 150, Temuka 7948
Phone: (03) 615-8400
Fax: (03) 615-8401
Email: [email protected]
Chief Executive: Jay Graybill
Office Admin: Bernadette Dolan
Field Officers: Jayde Couper, Graeme Hughes,
Hamish Stevens, Mark Webb
17Reference to Description: Gazette, No. 83, of 22 May 1990, as amended by Gazette,
No. 129, of 29 August 1991, at page 2789
36
Central South Island
North Canterbury
Fish & Game Regions
1 Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of
2015/2016 Season
Species
Season Duration Daily Bag Hunting Area
(dates inclusive) Limit
Grey, mallard and shoveler duck: A maximum total aggregate bag not
exceeding 50 birds for all those species including hybrids combined, except
that within the aggregate bag a limit of 5 grey duck and 2 shoveler duck
must apply.
Grey duck and
2 May to
any hybrid of that 26 Jul 2015
species
5
All areas
NZ shoveler duck 2 May to
26 Jul 2015
2
All areas
Mallard duck and 2 May to
any hybrid of that 26 Jul 2015
species
6, 7 and 13, 14
Feb 2016
50
All areas
10
Area C
Paradise shelduck
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
25
East of State
Highway 1
2 May to
27 Sep 2015
25
West of State
Highway 1
6, 7 and 13, 14
Feb 2016
15
Area B
Pukeko
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
10
All areas
Black swan
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
5
Area B
2 May to
26 Jul 2015
2
Area A
Bobwhite
(Virginian) quail
2 May to 3
0 Aug 2015
No limit
All areas
California quail
2 May to
30 Aug 2015
10
All areas
Chukar (subject
to clause 5.4 for
this region)
2 May to
30 Aug 2015
10
All areas
Cock pheasant
2 May to
30 Aug 2015
4
All areas
excluding
Craigmore,
Pinegrove and
Waituna upland
game properties
with special
conditions
specified in
clause 5 for this
Region
Central South Island
37
Fish & Game Regions
Pheasant
(both sexes)
2 May to
30 Aug 2015
1 Apr 2016 to
6 May 2016
No limit
Craigmore,
Pinegrove and
Waituna upland
game properties
with special
conditions only
specified in
clause 5 for this
Region
Red-legged
partridge
Closed season
0
All areas
excluding
Craigmore
upland game
property
with special
conditions
specified in
clause 5 for this
Region
2 May to
30 Aug 2015
1 Apr 2016 to
6 May 2016
No limit
Craigmore
upland game
property
with special
conditions only
specified in
clause 5 for this
Region
2 Definition of Areas
2.1
Area A: All that part of the region encompassing Lake
Wainono and Wainono Reserve and bounded to the
north by Hook Beach Road, the west by State Highway
1, the south by Poingdestres Road and the east by the
Pacific Ocean.
2.2 Area B: That part of the region not included in Area
A.
2.3 Area C: That part of the region north of the Opihi
River only over agricultural grain crops and green feed
paddocks and more than 200 metres from any water
body.
2.4 Chukar Hunting: Chukar hunting is by permit only.
Permits are available on request from the Fish and
Game office in Temuka.
3 Shooting Hours
38
6.45am to 6.30pm.
Central South Island
Fish & Game Regions
4 Decoy Limit
4.1 Lake Wainono and the Wainono Reserve: From
opening day to the second Sunday after opening day,
no person or persons sharing a stand shall use more
than 25 decoys. No decoys to be placed within 50
metres of those placed by the occupant(s) of another
stand.
4.2 Rest of season: No limit.
5 Upland Game Properties with Special Conditions
5.1Craigmore: That fenced area of Craigmore Station
between Craigmore Valley, Timaunga, Limestone
and Pareora Gorge roads near Timaru, that includes
Lots 1–3 DP 14945 and Lots 1 and 2 DP 315289
and marked with signposts reading Craigmore Game
Preserve. The “Craigmore” property is owned by
Forbes and Bridget Elworthy.
5.2Pinegrove: That fenced area of Pinegrove Station
at 532 Rosewill Valley Road, Assessment Number
24840/067.00, Lot 2 DP 321973. The Pinegrove
property is owned by Bruce Washington.
5.3 Waituna Game Birds: Those areas of fenced land
identified as 343 Whitneys Road: Legal Description
No: RS17391 owned by Centrewood Farm Limited,
Jamie Sutherland. 273 W hitneys Road: Legal
Description No: RS4347 5516 10116 Blocks X XIV
Waimate Survey District owned by Neill Dick. 72
Kennards Road: Legal Description No: Section
2 Reserve 143 Block X Waimate Survey District,
Section 2 Reserve 143 X Waimate Survey District
owned by Steve Muir. 753 Parkers Bush Road:
Legal Description: Lot 3 DP 416130 Lots 2 and 3
DP 63040 Lots 1–3 DP 20008 Lots 1–3 DP 13752
Lots 3 and 4 DP 1150 Sections 1 4 Reserve 143
RS 2984–2988 12650 12654–12655 20344 20545
21366922759 22772 25710 26569 27617 39597 Parts
2980–9283 3851 4338 5082 28448 37801 Blocks
IX X XII XIV Waimate Survey District owned by
Athol Smith.
Central South Island
39
Fish & Game Regions
HUNTING IN CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND
(CSI)
PUBLIC LANDS
Many of Central South Island’s larger river beds and lakes
are public lands. It is still important to advise the adjoining
landowner when you wish to hunt these areas. This common
courtesy often results in the farmer providing useful information
and better access.
BALLOTED STANDS
Depending on water levels, the council has between 9 and 13
stands available for hunting the opening weekend on wetlands it
owns or manages. These are balloted annually and invitations to
apply are advertised in local papers in February or early March.
NORTHERN REGIONAL BOUNDARY
The Rakaia River bed is not within the CSI Fish and Game
Region. The northern boundary of the region adjacent to the
Rakaia River extends along Acton Road, Rakaia Barrhill Methven
Road and Rakaia River Road.
RANGITATA DIVERSION RACE
Hunting along the Rangitata Diversion Race is possible but
strictly with permission from RDR Management Ltd (ph 03
3080828) and the adjoining landowners.
LAKE WAINONO AND WAINONO
WETLANDS
Lake Wainono is near the township of Waimate and some 35 km
south of Timaru. Adjacent to the coastal shingle beach barrier,
the lake at its normal water level (1m above sea level) covers about
350 hectares. The beach barrier, lake, and surrounding wetlands
provide habitat for some 57 different bird species, many resident
and others migratory. Lake Wainono is a ‘Conservation Area’
managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Hunting is
permitted and a permit to carry a firearm is required. This can be
obtained free of charge from the DOC Raukapuka Field Centre
in Geraldine. Within the Wainono Wetlands area, eight hunting
stands are balloted each year. There is no ballot system for the
lake and many of the existing stands are reserved for traditional
hunters. Other than possibly during opening weekend, there
is still plenty of opportunity for visiting hunters. Access to the
lake and wetland:
40
Central South Island
Fish & Game Regions
•
North side – via Hook Beach Road and then a 4WD track
along the beach
•
Middle – via Wainono Lake Road; a track opposite Waimate
turnoff on SH1
•
South side – via Foleys Road and then Poindestres Road over
the Dead Arm Bridge to the beach and then a walking track
along the beach past Maori Lake and the Wainono wetlands.
ALL DAY BAY LAGOON
This small coastal lagoon, 11 ha in area, is located 15 km south
of Oamaru on the Kakanui-Waianakarua coastal road. The
area was purchased by CSI Fish and Game in 1989. Planting of
vegetation, and the construction of a low level weir to maintain
a stable water level, has secured the lake as a wetland habitat for
both waterfowl and wading birds. The lagoon and its birdlife are
readily observed from the road. Visits from the occasional white
heron or royal spoonbill are not uncommon, and add to the scenic
attraction of the area. All Day Bay Lagoon is also protected by
a QE II National Trust Open Space Covenant. Four hunting
stands are balloted annually by CSI Fish and Game Council.
DEVIL’S BRIDGE WETLAND
Owned by the Meikle Family Trust, this 15 ha lake and associated
wetland is situated on Devil’s Bridge Road some 6 km north west
of Oamaru. By agreement between the owner and CSI Fish and
Game, the area is managed by the Devil’s Bridge Management
Committee. Three stands are balloted each year by CSI Fish and
Game. Should you wish to hunt at the wetland, phone the owner
Gail Meikle first on (03) 434 9476.
MID SUMMER DUCK SEASON
In February 2005, a two-weekend summer duck hunting season
was trialled, on condition that it was monitored to ensure there
was no adverse impact on the traditional May duck season
opening. The season will be further trialled for the first two
weekends of February in 2016.
ON OR NEAR PUBLIC LAND
When hunting on or near public land be aware of two relevant
sections of the Arms Act 1983. Section 45 states “Every person
commits an offence who, except for some lawful, proper, and
sufficient purpose carries; or is in possession of…any firearm.”
And “…the burden of proving the existence of some lawful,
proper, and sufficient purpose shall lie on the defendant.” Section
Central South Island
41
Fish & Game Regions
48 states “Every person commits an offence … who, without
reasonable cause, discharges a firearm … in or near
(a) a dwelling house; Or
(b) a public place, - so as to endanger property or to
endanger, annoy, or frighten, any person.
The message is clear – be careful and considerate around other
people and their property.
Photo: Steve Terry
42
Central South Island
Fish & Game Regions
OTAGO
FISH & GAME REGION 18
Office: Corner of Hanover & Harrow Sts Dunedin
Postal address: PO Box 76, Dunedin 9054
Phone: (03) 477-9076
Fax: (03) 477-0146
Email:[email protected]
Chief Executive: Niall Watson
Office Admin: Sharon Milne
Operations Manager: Ian Hadland
Environmental Officer: Peter Wilson
F&G Officers: Cliff Halford, Morgan Trotter, Helen Keeling, Steve Dixon
18 Reference to Description: Gazette, No. 83, of 22 May 1990, at page 1861
Otago
43
Fish & Game Regions
1 Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of
2015/2016 Season
Species
Season Duration Daily Bag Hunting Area
(dates inclusive) Limit
2 May to
25
All areas
26 Jul 2015
Grey/mallard
duck and any
hybrid of those
species
NZ shoveler duck 2 May to
26 Jul 2015
Paradise shelduck 2 May to
30 Aug 2015
5 Mar 2016
2
All areas
12
All areas
5
Closed season
Closed season
2 May to
30 Aug 2015
30 May to
30 Aug 2015
30 May to
30 Aug 2015
0
0
5
All areas junior
hunting day
(refer to clause
5.4 for this
Region)
All areas
Area A
Area B
10
All areas
5
2 May to
30 Aug 2015
No limit
Red-legged
partridge
2 May to
30 Aug 2015
No limit
Chukar
30 May to
30 Aug 2015
2
All areas
excluding upland
game properties
with special
conditions
specified in
clause 7 for this
Region
Upland game
properties
with special
conditions
specified in
clause 7 for this
Region
Upland game
properties
with special
conditions
specified in
clause 7 for this
Region
All areas
Pukeko
Black swan
California quail
Pheasant
44
Otago
Fish & Game Regions
2 Definition of Areas
2.1 Area A: The Clutha River catchment upstream from
the Clyde Dam.
2.2 Area B: The Clutha River catchment downstream
from the Clyde Dam; the Taieri River catchment and
all the coastal catchments between Shag Point and The
Brothers Point on the east coast of the South Island.
3 Shooting Hours
Area A: 7.00am to 6.45pm
Area B: 7.00am to 6.30pm
4 Decoy Limit
No limit.
5 Special Conditions
5.1 No person shall use or cause to be used on any
water within the region for the hunting or killing
of game, any fixed stand, pontoon, hide, loo or
maimai, except within a distance of 10 metres from
the water margin in non-tidal waters, or from
the low water mark in tidal waters, or from the
outside edge of the raupo growth where raupo
abounds, without the prior consent of the Otago Fish
and Game Council.
5.2
No person may leave on the hunting ground the bodies
or parts of bodies of Black swan or other game shot in
the Otago Fish and Game region.
5.3 Shooting from a boat is prohibited on the Clutha River
from 2 to 10 May 2015 (refer to First Schedule clause
7).
5.4 The summer paradise duck season is open on 1 March
2016 for junior licence holders only, and is restricted
to locations 200 metres or more from open water.
6 Refuges and Closed Game Areas
The following wetland refuges and closed game areas are closed
to hunting:
Refuges Location
6.1 Lake Hayes Queenstown/Arrowtown highway
6.2 Hawksbury Lagoon
Waikouaiti – East Otago
6.3 Finegand Balclutha
Otago
45
Fish & Game Regions
Closed Game Areas Location
6.4 Ashley Downs
Near Clinton, South Otago
6.5 Tomahawk Lagoon
Dunedin
6.6 Kawarau River outlet From Lake Wakatipu downstream to the Shotover River confluence
7 Upland Game Properties with Special Conditions
7.1
Rough Ridge: The total area of Rough Ridge Farm
with special conditions is described as Rough Ridge
and defined as approximately 900 hectares of Rough
Ridge Farm near Oturehua that includes Section 24
Block XV1 and Section 2 Block XV11 Blackstone
Survey District, Section 3 Block V1 Poolburn Survey
District, and Section 42 PT and Section 10 Block
XV1 Blackstone Survey District. The boundaries are
marked with signposts reading “Rough Ridge Game
Preserve”. The property “Rough Ridge” is owned by
Fraser and Murray McKnight.
HUNTING IN OTAGO
Otago is a game bird hunters’ paradise. The region offers hunters
a wide variety of different experiences – from decoying mobs of
mallards over coastal wetlands, to flushing quail in high country
scrubland.
HUNTING EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE
Otago Fish and Game Council has Canada goose decoys, coffin
blinds and camouflage nets available for hire. Booking items
is recommended.
MORE INFORMATION
Visit the Otago pages of the Fish & Game New Zealand website
for more information or contact Otago Fish & Game’s Dunedin
Office ( [email protected]) for advice, brochures on
hunting or wetland creation.
46
Otago
Fish & Game Regions
SOUTHLAND
FISH & GAME REGION 19
Offices: 159 North Road, Invercargill and The Wildlife Park, Te Anau
Postal Address: PO Box 159, Invercargill 9840
Phone: (03) 215-9117
Email: [email protected]
Manager: Maurice Rodway (021 221 5801)
Office Admin: Cheryl Mason, Ann Heffernan
Senior Field Officer
(Operations Manager): Zane Moss (021 244 5384)
Field Officers: Bill Jarvie (021 540 821),
new Field Officer to be appointed.
Resource Management
Officer: Jacob Smyth (021 280 0755)
19Reference to Description: Gazette, No. 83, of 22 May 1990, at page 1861
Southland
47
Fish & Game Regions
1 Game That May be Hunted or Killed—Duration of
2015/2016 Season
Species
Season Duration
(dates inclusive)
Daily Bag
Limit
Grey/mallard duck and any 2 May and 3 May 2015
hybrid of those species
4 May to 28 Jun 2015
15
NZ shoveler duck
2 May to 28 Jun 2015
2
Paradise shelduck
2 May to 28 Jun 2015
6
Pukeko
Closed season
0
Black swan
2 May to 28 Jun 2015
1
California quail
6 Jun to 30 Aug 2015
5
Cock pheasant
6 Jun to 30 Aug 2015
5
Chukar
Closed season
0
10
2 Shooting Hours
7.00am to 6.30pm.
3 Decoy Limit
No limit.
4 Special Conditions
Shooting from boats is prohibited during the month of May
2015 on the Mataura, Aparima, Oreti, Waiau and Waimatuku
rivers and their navigable tributaries.
HUNTING IN SOUTHLAND
MALLARD DUCK
The Southland region provides some of the best mallard duck
hunting in New Zealand. Season bags range around 20 birds.
Much of the hunting is carried out on private farm ponds
although public water bodies, estuaries in particular, provide
good hunting opportunities during the opening weekend and on
rough weather days. Hunters travelling to Southland need to find
a local contact to organise hunting spots, upgrade maimais and
arrange accommodation. Numerous groups of hunters congregate
in the same area year after year. These gatherings engender great
camaraderie and lifelong friendships.
PARADISE DUCK
Although widespread across the province, northern Southland
provides the best paradise duck hunting in the region. This species
has thrived with land development. Congregations can be found
48
Southland
Fish & Game Regions
into the back country where they graze on modern grass cultivars
grown on newly developed land. Paradise duck provide through
the- season hunting on pastures. Once a mob is found they can be
chased off, and then decoys put out, suitable camouflage arranged
and the birds shot when they return. (see our YouTube channel
for a how-to) Parries appear to have become less abundant over
the past few years, so the bag limit was reduced from 10 to six per
day two seasons ago. Last year’s count shows a modest recovery
so the reduced bag seems to have been effective.
OTHER SPECIES
Shoveler duck, and black swan provide limited hunting
experiences and are taken incidentally to the more common
species. Hunting of pukeko is no longer permitted in Southland.
Canada geese remain abundant although they are no longer
classified as a game bird. Black Swan numbers are healthy so
hunters are encouraged to get in at least one swan hunt during
the season.
REDUCED SEASON LENGTH
Following a survey and submissions from hunters in 2014 the
Council has decided to reduce the season length to two months so
it will end on June 28 this year. Bag limits and other regulations
remain the same, although Council did pass the resolution to
prohibit magazine extensions and restrict magazine capacity to
five shots for the 2016 season.
Hunters have been concerned about the hunting season extending
into the start of the breeding season. Also our mallard research
programme is in its second year and we don’t want birds that have
transmitters in them shot, as happened last season.
The research has already
revealed a lot on interesting
information that is
described in the Fish and
Game magazine. However
the main phase still has a
year to go to get enough
information to ensure
any recommendations we
have for future mallard
management are based on
sound science.
Photo: Grant Dyson
Southland
49
Fish & Game
Photo: Mark Sherburn
Photo: Ian Hadland, Happy hunting duo
50
YOUR ORDER
NEW PRODUCTS (No product is valid for postage)
Price
Quantity
Total
2015 Black Swan Game Bird Habitat stamp
$10.00
$
2015 Black Swan Game Bird Habitat stamp first day
cover
$12.00
$
2015 Black Swan Game Bird Habitat stamp miniature
sheet
$11.50
$
2015 Black Swan Game Bird Habitat stamp miniature
sheet first day cover
$14.00
$
2015 Black Swan Game Bird Habitat stamp Limited
Edition Artist Print
$65.00
$
If you have a preference for the Artist Print number, please indicate it here
Numbers will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, and we will endeavour to meet your
requirements where possible.
PREVIOUSLY ISSUED PRODUCTS
Price
Quantity
Total
2014 Pūkeko Limited Edition Artist Print
$65.00
$
2013 Australasian Bittern Limited Edition Artist Print
$65.00
$
2012 Bobwhite Quail Limited Edition Artist Print
$65.00
$
Plus overseas postage (see below)
$
TOTAL TO PAY $
SHIPPING INFORMATION
Stamp &
Miniature
Sheet
Artist Print
First Day
Cover
AUSTRALIA - 3-6 working days
NZ$2.00
NZ$7.50
No charge
SOUTH PACIFIC - 3-10 working days
NZ$2.00
NZ$10.80
No charge
EAST ASIA AND NORTH AMERICA 4-10 working days
NZ$2.50
NZ$12.50
No charge
REST OF WORLD - 5-10 working days
NZ$2.50
NZ$14.00
No charge
New Zealand Post produces the New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Collection on behalf of
Fish and Game New Zealand. The New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Black Swan stamp is not
valid for postage.
nzpost.co.nz/stamps
0800 STAMPS or +64 6 349 1234
PAYMENT DETAILS
Name:
Code: FISH 50
Address:
Town/City:
Postcode:
Country:
Phone: (
)
Email:
Stamp Centre Customer Number (if applicable):
I AM PAYING BY:
Cheque (made out to New Zealand Post and enclosed)
Debit my customer account number
International money order/bank draft
Amex
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Visa
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Cardholder’s name:
Cardholder’s signature:
Card expiry date:
Please charge my credit card:
NZ$
This information is being collected by Fish and Game New Zealand and New Zealand Post for the purpose
of processing your order. We may also use it to send you information on other collectable products that
may be of interest to you.
On 2 February each year, the Game
Bird Habitat Collection is issued to
celebrate World Wetlands Day. The
2015 issue is the 22nd in the series
and features the black swan.
The black swan (Cygnus atratus), also known as the kakīānau, is one of
the most common waterfowl found in New Zealand, with a population of
approximately 50,000 across the country. Mainly found on lakes, estuaries,
harbours and freshwater ponds, black swans are a legal game bird in most
parts of New Zealand.
The black swan is covered in
jet black feathers, with striking
white feathers visible beneath the
wings of the adults. The black
swan has a bright red bill with a
white band, red eyes and light
grey legs. There is little difference
between the male and female
birds, although the females tend
to be smaller than the males.
Black swans are slow yet graceful
swimmers on the water, and tend to be territorial on land.
The nesting season for black swans generally occurs in the winter months
from around July, with colonial nesting beginning around September and
continuing through to November. Black swans are mostly monogamous
and pair for life, usually nesting in the same spots each year, tending and
rebuilding their nests as necessary. A typical breeding season will yield
between four and eight eggs, with an incubation period of around 40 days.
Black swans defend their nests, aggressively attacking any intruder with their
wings and beaks.
The black swan takes centre
stage in the 2015 Game Bird
Habitat Collection, which
consists of a stamp, miniature
sheet, first day cover and
miniature sheet first day cover,
and a hand-numbered and
signed Limited Edition Artist
Print. Each print includes two
stamps, of which one is signed
by artist Karen Baddock.
Karen Baddock has worked
as a self-employed artist for
the past 20 years. Her main inspiration comes from nature, specialising
in watercolours and alkyd paints (fast-drying oils). Her works can take
anywhere from six to twelve weeks to complete, with most of that time
spent focusing on the composition of the piece. Karen Baddock works from
Bluegum Gallery in Dunedin, which is open for public viewing.
Miniature sheet
First day cover
Miniature sheet first day cover
2015 Artist Print - Black Swan
KNOW
WHERE
TO GO?
Discover outdoor
access opportunities
on the Walking
Access Mapping
System online at
www.wams.org.nz
 Identify land open to
public access
 Explore topo and
aerial maps of New
Zealand
Check.
Respect.
Enjoy.